Gardens

If your property has its own garden then you are responsible for maintaining everything growing on and within the boundary of the property. 

Some properties have shared communal gardens and shared access paths, how these are maintained and used is explained when signing your tenancy agreement. Please contact us if you are unsure whether you have an individual or shared garden. It is important that you do not block access to any shared areas.

If your property has its own separate garden you will be responsible for maintaining everything growing on and within the boundary of your property, this includes the boundary hedges, flower beds, paths, trees, shrubs and lawns, whether or not you planted them. It also includes any hard landscaping (including driveways), fences, sheds and other permanent features that you have installed.

Garden maintenance standards

Gardens must be maintained in line with the following standards:

• grass should be mowed on a regular basis
• shrubs and plants should not overhang paths, neighbours' gardens or access ways
• hedges should not overhang pathways in a way that may be dangerous or obstruct others
• the garden should be kept clear of litter and waste at all times. All household waste should be tied in black/green bags, or communal bins provided and should not be left loose. Rubbish should be put out for collection on a weekly basis on the appropriate days
• you must not intrude on any property which has not been let to you. If you need access to your neighbour's garden to maintain your garden, please speak to your neighbour first
• you must not allow anyone else to change the boundaries of your home and must report any changes to us promptly.

You will be breaching your tenancy agreement if you do not keep your garden to a reasonable standard, this includes dumping or storing any rubbish in your garden as it is unsightly and could attract vermin. A housing officer will talk to you about improving the situation but if you fail to carry out the required work, we will take enforcement action.

Enforcement action can include Community Protection Warnings including fixed penalties or court action, carrying out work to your garden and charging you for the work, and applying to court for possession of your home.

Tree maintenance

Trees should be kept manageable and should be removed if causing structural damage or are dangerous. Branches should not be left in a dangerous condition for example, overly long or broken and subsequently hanging down from the tree.

Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders because they are in a conservation area. It may be a criminal offence to lop or cut down trees without consent. Please check with us if you are unsure whether your tree has an order.

Fencing on or around the property

You are responsible for the cost of supplying, fitting and maintaining the new fence. We are responsible for marking the boundaries around your property. We do not have an obligation to provide fencing on the boundaries.

You may be able to replace or put up a new fence, but you must check first who is responsible for the boundary and if you need our permission before going ahead with the work. You must ensure that fences do not block shared access routes. Fences must be erected on the actual boundary and you must ensure that they do not exceed permitted heights:

• 2m (6ft 6in) at the rear of the property, and
• 1m (3ft 3in) at the front of the property.